Sunday, October 10, 2010

At the 2010 Paris Auto Show, the Jaguar C-X75 Concept Car has finally been revealed after months of tantalizing tidbits from Jaguar designers and executives. The surprise is, this supercar is powered by an innovative powertrain that combines hub-mounted electric motors and twin micro gas turbines. The Jaguar C-X75 is described by company executives as a “range-extended electric two-seater supercar.”

The C-X75 concept cars is both a celebration of 75 years of iconic Jaguar design and a look into the future of automotive technology. “Performance through innovation has always been a Jaguar hallmark. From the beginning, cars such as the C-Type and D-Type pioneered aluminum construction, aerodynamic design, racing monocoques and disc brakes. The C-X75 demonstrates that the company is still leading the field in automotive design and technology.” Dr Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover.

The 2010 Jaguar Sport Cars Jaguar C-X75 EREV Electric Supercars Concept is shorter, slimmer and lower than most supercars, and the Jaguar designers have made the concept car’s aerodynamics as efficient as possible to enhance performance, notably the exhaust-blown underbody aero diffuser. Matt Beavan, the car’s principal designer, also says, “We wanted to emphasize how the air makes its way not just over the car but is also channeled into the rear air box. When operating at 80,000 rpm, each gas turbine requires 25,000 liters of air per minute, which means we need a series of carefully honed intakes.”

2010 Jaguar Sport Cars Jaguar C-X75 EREV Electric Supercars Concept

The C-X75’s 580kW (778bhp) propulsion system combines powerful 145kW (195bhp) electric motors at each wheel for outstanding performance. At the center of the car sit state-of-the-art, mid-mounted micro gas-turbines. These can either generate 140kW (188bhp) to charge the batteries and extend the range of the car to a remarkable 900km (560 miles) – enough to drive from London to Berlin on a single tank – or when in Track mode provide supplementary power directly to the electric motors. The four electric motors provide torque-vectored, all-wheel drive traction and grip, essential in a car that produces 580kW (778bhp) and 1600Nm (1180lb ft) of torque.

The plug-in, electric drive supercar has an all-electric range of 110 km (68 miles) plus a potential top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph), acceleration from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds, and 80-145 km/h (50-90 mph) in 2.3 seconds. Active aerodynamics allow for a simple fuselage section that remains stable at very high speeds. The plug-in will produce 28 grams of CO2 per kilometer on the EU test cycle, according to Jaguar.

From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world’s premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company’s vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company operates two manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motorsports.